Marshe Rockett at Rocket Pro Wrestling

It's just a cool name coincidence, but Marshe Rockett seems a natural for Rocket Pro Wrestling. When he becomes champ (and I believe he will), there are a lot of storyline and marketing ideas because of it.

I have known Marshe fo many years. I first met him when we worked together at Resistance Pro Wrestling. Call it scripted, but when Marshe won the RPro title, there was real emotion in his face and voice. That wasn't faked. That win and title meant something to Marshe.

That's just the type of wrestler he is. He cares for his craft. This isn't just a throwaway weekend gig. Marshe is one of the best on the independent scene. He has had several appearances in the big copanies, too. Marshe deserves all the success he gets, because on top of being an excellent wrestler, he is a class act.

One of the highlights for me covering RPW has been seeing Marshe and his family. If you're lucky enough to be friends with them online, you'll see plenty of heartwarming posts. Even though I follow them, I was a bit surprised at how big their eldest son is. It's great watching his family literally grow.

Marshe is just one fo the stars of RPW. He's one of the reasons why it is the fast-growing wrestling company around Chicago. It quickly is becoming the favorite of so many fans.

I really think Marshe will eventually capture the title. Then will he rename it Rockett Pro Wrestling?

RPW's next show is Darkness Falls on Saturday, October 14. It promises to be full of suprises as usual. Go to RocketProWrestling.com for more info on that event.

Marshe Rockett and me in Joliet, IL-September 2023.

 

Marshe Rockett In TNA

TNA Wrestling had a tough year in 2016.  One of the highlights for me though, was seeing Marshe Rockett make his debut.
I met Marshe at Resistance Pro Wrestling, where he was part of Da Soul Touchaz.  He went on to eventually capture the RPro Heavyweight title.
Having been at RPro from the beginning, I had the pleasure of watching Marshe progress up the card.  I got to see him work very hard at honing his craft in and out of the ring.  Watching him, you got the feeling he was destined to reach the big time.
Marshe was no secret though.  Da Soul Touchaz and Marshe were well known on the indy scene.  It shouldn't be a surprise that Marshe reached one of the big two wrestling companies.
Marshe was always great to me at RPro.  He always found time for our interviews and he always gave good ones.  Like I wrote earlier, he was a real pleasure.
Now it is a pleasure watching him in TNA.  Hopefully, the company will have a better 2017 and hopefully Marshe will be a big part of it.

Marshe Rockett and me in Willowbrook, IL-April 2014.

Marshe Rockett Holds RPro Gold

Marshe Rockett has been a part of Resistance Pro Wrestling right from the start.  As part of Da Soul Touchaz, along with Willie "da Bomb" Richardson, Acid Jazz and C Red,  Marshe has been a big part of the tag  team and singles scene.

Marshe is a fan favorite (a good guy or a face).  He has worked very hard at RPro (and elsewhere) to develop his wrestling skills.  When it came time to wrestle Jocephus for the title, Marshe was ready.

Marshe is a good guy in real life terms, too.  He is a teacher outside of the ring.  He is also a teacher inside the ring.  I have seen him give advice to many younger, less experienced wrestlers.  Marshe is a giving person.

It was great to see him win the title.  He deserves it and will represent RPro well.  We can watch the beginning of the Marshe era on Saturday, January 17, as he has his first title defense.  For tickets and more info, check out ResistancePro.com.

Marshe Rockett and me in Lockport, IL-November 2014.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "The Mob Rules"

Every Resistance Pro Wrestling show is a fun event, but "The Mob Rules" was a special night and not because of the wrestling.  This night belonged to Emily Anne Lundvall.
Emily is a friend of RPro and a Special Olympian.  She recently won gold and silver medals and the folks at RPro decided to honor her with a special award presentation.  The applause for Emily rivaled that of any wrestler and brought chills to everyone there.  It truly was a wonderful night.

I was proud to get interviews with Kathy Lundvall, Emily's mother, and Aaron Hirthe, Emily's coach.  Each spoke of what this all means to them and Emily.

I got my first interview with "Simply Sexy" Shawn Blaze, a relative newcomer to RPro.  Hopefully this is the first of many as he climbs the RPro ladder.

Marshe Rockett has been climbing the RPro ladder for a while and he is poised near the top.  Special Correspondent Jonathan McMahon interviewed Mr. M80.

I also finally got an interview with "The Inspiration" Brady Pierce.  The strong, quiet member of Body Magic seems to have a bright future at RPro and we discussed plenty of topics.

RPro's very own Eric St. Vaughn took over the interview duties and landed Chicago Bliss coaches John Witte and Ryan Andrews, along with Bliss star Dana Lorraine.  The RPro-Bliss connection has been a fun one for all.  We are looking forward to celebrating their next LFL title at a future RPro show.

Lastly, I got a special interview with Justin King of King Cobra.  Justin gave me a rare calm look at his career to this point.  All was going well, until his brother Head Referee Robert King appeared.  Then things got real interesting.
I hope you enjoy these videos.  I hope you come to "The Real Thing" this Sunday.  You will not be disappointed!

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Don't Tread"

Last month's Resistance Pro's "Don't Tread" was another excellent show.  If you think I am just repeating myself, I challenge you to come to one of their shows and find out for yourself.  You will be saying the same thing, too.

It was another solid night for JohngysBeat.com, too, as we got several interesting interviews.  "Mr. M80" Marshe Rockett was getting shot at Jocephus Brody's title.  We talked to Marshe before his match and got his thoughts, along with the first look at his new shirt available for purchase.

After a year long absence (because of a "Loser leaves R Pro for a year" match with "The Ego" Robert Anthony), Mr. 450 returned and was looking for revenge.  We talked to him about what he had been doing and what his future holds.

Warden Myers is right in the middle of the action as always.  Two of his inmates were fighting for freedom, but one chose not to fight.  The Warden is never without a backup plan though.  He had two new men under his thumb, although he wouldn't reveal them during the interview.  (Johngy's Beat does give the reveal in it though.)

Chris Hall revealed his new shirt, but did not reveal his latest career path.  (Check back to the Warden's interview for a little clue.)

Just when I thought I was going to get that interview with Colonel Jesse Corgan, Timekeeper Mike Bellcaster stepped in and ousted me.  I have no idea where this is going, but I do not like it one bit.

Superfan and wrestling columnist Jonathan McMahon made his interview debut on both ends of the questions.  First, I interviewed him about his path to Resistance.  Then he took over the interview duties and got the latest scoop from Scotty Young.  Welcome to the JohngysBeat.com Universe, JMc and thank you.

That's a lot of action for a three hour show and that is just from my end.  The actual R Pro wrestling was even more entertaining.  Plus, I did not even mention the women of the Chicago Bliss who were there again.  Next show, I will have to get their opinions.

Speaking of the next show, it is this Friday, May 16.  "Savage Amusement" promises to be what the title proclaims.  Two days away and I can't wait..

On the Beat with R Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Between games at the Kicks for a Cure event last summer, Resistance Pro's C Red talked about starting a Positive Outreach Program.  He had a vision of R Pro reaching out to youngsters.  A few weeks ago, that vision became a reality when we appeared at the Southside Occupational Academy.  Since then, we have held events at Fenger High School and at Neil Armstrong Elementary School.
I have been privileged and proud to have been at each event.  I have seen the grateful students and teachers. I have also seen the proud, humble and emotional members of the R Pro family.
Each event was a wonderful experience.  Believe me, I got far much more than I gave at each event.  I am sure my friends at R Pro all feel similarly.  Rather than me speak for them, I am including interviews from them right after the events.  I love the passion and emotion.
R Pro is doing something special here.  They are making a difference.  They are proving they are not just a another wrestling company.
After you watch the interviews, head over to the R Pro POP (Positive Outreach Program) Facebook page.  Give it a "LIKE" and show R Pro your support for this great cause.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program

JohngysBeat.com is all about meeting celebrities.  Over the years, I have written about hundreds of celebrities.  Today, I am writing about being with a music legend, two wrestling company owners and several wrestlers, but more important than that, I was with students from the Southside Occupational Academy for the debut of the R Pro Positive Outreach Program.  The full report, including an interview with C Red, the man behind POP, can be found on the Patch at On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program.
R Pro's Creative Director Billy Corgan (also of the Smashing Pumpkins) believed in POP so much that he took time from his insanely busy schedule to be there and speak.  R Pro owners Jacques and Gabriel Baron were both there.  Wrestlers Eric St. Vaughn, Matt Knicks, Marshe Rockett and Suge D were also joined by Michael Bradley and Stoney McGee (both of many roles within R Pro).  This was a large assemblage of talent and all believed enough in the cause and in R Pro to make this happen.
The goal of POP is to be a positive force in the community.  I have seen for the last two years how things don't begin and end with the ring of the bell.  It might sound cliche, but R Pro is really one giant family.  People don't just show up for wrestling and then leave.  We see each other, talk regularly, support each other and do the things that a family does.  I have never felt more accepted by any organization.
The goal of POP and R Pro was to be a positive in the lives of these students (and others in the future).  I gave a bit of my time and walked away feeling more positive than I ever had before.
Thank you C Red.  Thank you R Pro.  I love you all.

The Resistance Pro crew in Chicago, IL-September 2013.